Empower people with disabilities

I WOULD like to commend Eastern Highlands Governor Malcolm Kela-Smith for allocating K100,000 to fund activities for people with disabi­lities (The National, Nov 18).
The next step is for all MPs and people to support people with disabilities that will empower them to realise their potential.
It is time everyone looks at our “ability” rather than “disability”.
The national government signed the United Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) and also there is a National Disable Policy in place.
I have yet to see the fruits of this  labour.
I urge the lead agency, the Department of Community Development, and those who are tasked to deal with these issues to come out on Dec 3 – International Day for Disable Persons – and tell people with disabilities what have been achieved, what will be achieved and how they will go about delivering the millennium development goals and Vision 2050.
PNG recently celebra­ted its 36th Independence Day.
However, for these marginalised people, what can they look forward to?

Richard T. Mandui
Port Moresby